April 23 - @ CV Giants

We had a long layoff again before this game as no games were scheduled during Spring Break. The Purple Lightning girls took the field today hosted by the CV Giants and had only one question in mind. Can Lightning strike 3 times in a row?

1st Inning
Leading us off, Janessa got hit by a pitch and took a walk. She stole her way to 3rd base as Gabby was building up to full count. The pitcher threw a strike on the next pitch to send Gabby back to the dugout. Tess came up next and hit one just out of the dirt into the outfield and getting on base, brining Janessa home. Kelsey came up to bat and Tess stole 2nd, but the Giants' pitcher got three over to strike her out. Alli was next and Tess stole 3rd. Alli walked, putting runners on 1st and 3rd. Sara came up to bat and Alli stole 2nd, putting our girls into scoriing position. But the pitcher, sensing the scoring threat, got Sara to swing and managed to strike her out, holding Purple Lighting to 1 run in the inning.

Kelsey started us off at pitcher. Trying to find her pitch, Kelsey walked the 1st batter. She managed to strike out the 2nd batter, but not before the runner worked her way to 2nd base. Kelsey walked the next batter and with a successful steal by the runner on 2nd, the Giants had runners on 1st and 3rd. Another couple of walks later and the Giants put 2 on the board, gaining the lead. the 7th batter connected with a good pitch and the ball took a bounce that Kelsey was able to quickly recover. She started to make the throw to 1st, but quickly changed her mind, turned and got the out on the runner coming home preventing the score. The next batter got a hit, but it popped up and, making the 2nd decisive, defensive play in a row, Kelsey again made the catch for the 3rd out of the inning.

Purple Lightning 1 - CV Giants 2

2nd Inning
Behind by 1 at the top of the 2nd, it was time for the Lightning girls to try to mount an offense. Hylah came up to bat and was struck out by the Giants' pitcher. Caitlin took a walk to get on base. On Maia's turn at bat, Caitlin took off for 2nd and was almost thrown out by an alert Giants' catcher, but she beat the ball to the base and was safe. In quick succession the pitcher was able to strike out both Maia and Alexis, putting a damper on the Lightning's attempt to get an offensive rhythm going.

Kelsey came in to pitch the 2nd inning. The 1st batter walked. The next batter hit a fast grounder through the Lightning infield into right field and, in a repeat of her game ball winning play, Caitlin collected the ball and quickly threw it to Gabby at 1st to get the out on the runner, but, in all the excitement, the runner on base was able to cross the plate for 1 run. The 3rd batter walked and got on base. Kelsey found her pitch on the next batter and was able to strike her out for the 2nd in the inning. But she was having a tough time on the day and walked the next Giants batter. With a successful steal to 2nd and runners now in scoring position, the next batter hit a fly ball towards foul territory and Gabby, making a great play on the ball, ran toward the fence and made the catch for the 3rd out of the inning and held the Giants to only 1 run in the inning.

Purple Lightning 1 - CV Giants 3

3rd Inning
Coming into the 3rd, the Lightning girls were trying to find an answer to the Giants' defense, but they threw us for a loop when they put in a new pitcher. Erin came up to bat and she was walked. The pitcher walked Janessa on her turn, putting runners on 1st and 2nd. This new pitcher didn't seem to have our number like the last one, but she still was able to strike Gabby out on her trip to the plate. Tess was next and when she made contact with what looked like a powerful hit, the runners took off. Unfortunately the ball popped up and the Giants' 1st baseman made the catch on the fly ball for the out, then was able to beat Janessa back to 1st base getting the double play and retiring the side.

Tess came in this time to relieve Kelsey at pitcher. The 1st batter walked and got on base. She then stole 2nd and the next batter hit a high fly ball. Gabby, on another great play, called the ball and made the catch for the out. The 3rd batter came to the plate and the runner on 2nd stole 3rd. A pitch got past Hylah at catcher and the runner started for home. Hylah was able to get to the ball, but was not able to make it back to the plate and the runner scored. Cranking it up a notch, Tess was able to strike out the 3rd batter and was able to follow it up by striking out the next batter closing it out and holding the Giants to 1 in the inning.

Purple Lightning 1 - CV Giants 4

4th Inning
Trailing by 3 in the 4th and time running short, things were starting to look bleak for team Purple Lightning. Kelsey was walked and got on base. She then stole her way around to 3rd. Alli walked too and was also able to steal 2nd. Sara, on her turn, connected and sent it to right center field. This looked like the hit we needed. The outfielder put her glove out for the catch and the ball headed straight for it. The ball bounced out and our hopes were still alive, but on the bobble, the outfielder had a chance for a 2nd attempt and this time caught it and Sara was out, sending the runners back to their bases. Hylah then walked to load the bases. Caitlin came up and was struck out by the pitcher for the 2nd out of the inning. The pitcher then walked Maia, bringing Kelsey home. But just as the Lightning were getting back into the game, the pitcher was able to get 3 past Alexis for the 3rd out .

Tess came back in to pitch the 4th inning and started out by walking the 1st 2 Giants batters. Time ran out as the 3rd batter came to the plate and since the home team was ahead, the game was called by the umpire.

Final Score
Purple Lightning 2 - CV Giants 4

Game Ball
So, the Lightning couldn't extend their streak to 3 and stay undefeated, but with her heads up playing and effort throughout the game, Gabby was awarded the game ball. Good job Gabby - 30 cool points go to you!